The Heritage of Copernicus: Theories ‘Pleasing to the Mind’ ed. by Jerzy Neyman (review)

Leonardo, Vol. 10, pp. 333-350. Pergamon Press 1977. Printed in Great Britain BOOKS Readers are invited to recommend books to be reviewed. In general, only books in English and in French can be reviewed at this stage. Those who would like to be added to Leonardo's panel o/reviewers should write to the FounderEditor , indicating their particular interests. The Heritage of Copernicus: Theories 'Pleasing to the Mind'. Jerzy Neyman, ed. M.I.T. Press, Cambridge, Mass., and London, 1974. 542 pp., illus. £12.50. Reviewed by James A. Goldman* It is becoming increasingly recognized that esthetic satisfaction is frequently involved in the formulation of scientific hypotheses. Thomas Kuhn, to cite but one who has considered this matter, has elaborated on the extent to which emotional displeasure has prompted some scientists working in a particular field to seek a new approach. Among theoretical scientists, the term 'elegant' is often heard in connection with proposed solutions to problems. In the introductory chapter, which provides the essential historical background, Neyman notes that beyond the substantive changes in cosmological thought, 'Copernican Revolution' refers to the abandonment of a traditional dogma in favor of an idea that is not only in better agreement with observation but 'more pleasing to the mind'. Two dozen essays that focus on Copernican-type intellectual revolutions constitute the main portion of this book. The fields represented are (1) astronomy and cosmology, (2) biology, (3) chemistry and physics, (4) mathematics, (5) statistical concepts and (6) technology. Of those essays in the first group, Modern Riddles of Cosmology, besides discussing quasars and pulsars, provides insight into how cosmological concepts are formulated. Well illustrated is the critical nature of the premises inherent in the construction ofa cosmological hypothesis, for example, whether the gravitational constant is truly constant or, instead, varies with time and position. The majority of cosmologists favor the 'big bang' hypothesis, whereas others feel that doubt is cast upon it because of recent astronomical observations. Part II is composed of five essays generally dealing with the topics of evolution, genetics, heredity and the synthesis of biologically active molecules. In these fields, Copernican revolutions have occurred, e.g. the work of Darwin and Mendel. In neurobiology, according to the assessment of a Harvard University neurobiologist, nothing analogous can be discerned, for progress has tended to be gradual-and is likely to continue in this manner. The essays on relativity and on quantum theory, in Part III, are especially recommended to Leonardo readers because they are comparatively concise nontechnical discussions. Parts IV and V, pertaining to mathematics and statistics, are likely to present more difficulties, but they are at least-worth perusing for the interspersed remarks such as a statistician's restrictive designation of Copernican-like revolutions to major advances in human understanding made by one person [emphasis added] against a dogmatic consensus of contrary conceptions (p. 403). Whether an eponymic designation should always thereafter be reserved for a singular achievement ofone individual rather than for the accomplishment of a research group, such as is fairly common in, say, high energy physics, is surely arguable. In Part VI are essays on artificial satellites and lasers as well as on other aspects of technology. *Div. of Continuing Education and Extension Services, New York City Community College, City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11201, U.S.A. 333 From the foregoing it is apparent that the 'softer' sciences such as psychology, anthropology, etc., have not been included. Othe.rwise, a broad perspective on science has been skillfully prOVided. The essays, for the most part, admirably fulfill the intention ofthe editor-to acquaint the 'general educated public' with the current state of scientific knowledge and the radical transformations that have occurred in the past 500 years. This reasonably priced book is recommended to those who wish to transc~nd t~eir own comparatively narrow specialization, be it in art or 1D sCience. Science and Society: Past, Present and Future. Nicholas H. Steneck, ed. Univ. Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, Mich., 1975.412 pp., iIIus. $15.00. Reviewed by J. C. Kapur** This book, on a sweepinglycomprehensive theme, is the outcome ofa symposium held at the University ofMichigan in celebration of the 500th anniversary of...